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I had a bladder lift about two years ago because when I sneezed or coughed I leaked.
Even since the bladder lift I have no desire for sex as it hurts if my husband is to rub up against me.
Is this normal? Can a bladder lift be removed?
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It hurts when he rubs on the outside. Thanks so much!
July 9, 2009 - 11:44amThis Comment
I am having the same problem. I had my bladder lift about 1 1/2 years ago. I am going to see a new urologist in August but does anyone know why the pain is so bad when my husband rubs up against me.
July 8, 2009 - 10:21amThis Comment
Damsimon,
Thanks so much for your question. First of all, I'm really glad that you're going to see a new urologist in August. I hope that he or she can help you fix this problem, because painful intercourse (especially when it was fine before) is such a difficult thing to deal with, both personally and with your partner, even when your partner is very understanding.
When you say it hurts when your husband rubs up against you, are you meaning when he rubs up against you on the outside? Or the inside? I guess what I'm asking is this: I understand that sex is painful, but are you also saying that you have pain when you feel pressure from outside your body?
I found lots of places on the internet where women were experiencing chronic pelvic pain of one kind or another after a bladder lift. Some seemed due to how and where the mesh was inserted. Others seemed to have problems with urination and pain. Because the bladder is basically lifted and fastened back into place, it seems like there are cases where things were fastened too tightly, where tissue or tendons or muscles were stretched and now cause pain.
I'll see if we can get one of our EmpowHer experts to weigh in on what causes painful intercourse after a bladder lift. Please check back here in a few days, OK?
July 9, 2009 - 9:05amThis Comment
Hi, Anon,
Welcome to EmpowHer. I'm so sorry you're having this problem. Let's see what we can find for you.
Painful intercourse is listed as a possible side effect of the surgery, but it doesn't seem to be common, especially not two years past surgery. Because the bladder and vagina are next to one another, it's easy to see how it could happen, though. My thoughts are that something is pulled too tight, perhaps, leaving no room for flexibility during intercourse. Is this what it feels like?
Have you asked your doctor about this pain? What does she or he say about it?
Was your procedure the vaginal sling procedure? Or an open abdominal procedure?
I couldn't find references to bladder lift reversal or cystocele reversal; I am assuming that once it's done, to reverse it would leave you in worse shape (regarding incontinence) than you were to begin with, and that instead of reversing it, a doctor would simply try to do it again in such a way that you had more comfort. I would like to submit your question to one of our experts to see what they might say. Please get back to me with what your doctor has said about this and what sort of procedure you had, and I'll see if we can get someone who is familiar with this surgery to weigh in for you.
June 10, 2009 - 9:11amThis Comment
I have painful sex after bladder lift surgery. Have tried 4 months of internal physical therapy, no help. My urogynacologist says the pain is due to scar tissue. It feels like there is a tight band around the inside of my vagina. When we have sex, it feels very raw and chafed. I asked if Botox injections could help. She said no. Anyone have any suggestions?
September 2, 2017 - 3:48pmThis Comment
IAnonymous, ’m not a member here but, surfing the Net for hope after seven years post-sling surgery. Your description of the pain is exactly what I have. I had two cystoceles done by gynecologist at small county hospital both times and never knew it was considered a urology surgery. Same guy did my hysterectomy ten years earlier. Last wk I saw urologist and never mentioned sex pain and this wk gyno checked for yr pap and I described my pain. She felt inside and said she can feel part of the mesh but suggested nothing. All this time despite docs knowing I have painful sex, no one examined me for mesh, just suggested using lubes! After recent two years of increased pain during sex, husband won’t touch me, says he thought I was pretending sex hurt and he no longer can stand me to even touch him or hug him. No sex for a year by Nov. ‘18. He wants divorce. My old gyn never told me anything about sling risks just positive expectations. Can these mesh things be removed? After a year, have you found help?
September 9, 2018 - 6:23amThis Comment
Hello, Anon.
Some information that might help.
Urogynecologists (you can do a search for doctors in your area) are doctors who specialize in pelvic floor disorders. They are the most qualified doctors to lead revision surgeries to remove the transvaginal mesh. However, mesh implants are designed to be permanent solutions. So, very often they are difficult to remove. The type and severity of complication determines the type of revision surgery. The type of mesh that was used usually determines how many procedures are necessary to remove it. A doctor in this area of expertise can tell you more.
Keep us updated.
Helena
September 9, 2018 - 7:33amThis Comment
It is strange I seem to have the same thing about a year later. It seems every time we have sex I end up in pain the next day. don't understand. Annette
August 21, 2016 - 7:54pmThis Comment